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Oddly Prolific

Odd Numbers, Not Hot and New Mosquitos branch out By Sarah Quelland ANYONE FAMILIAR with the local scene knows how those guys in the Odd Numbers, Not Hot and the New Mosquitos love new projects. Musically speaking, they may be the most incestuous group around. The latest is a record label started by Odd Numbers bassist Dave Miller and others called Scary Records, which is intended to promote San Jose bands. So far, the New Mosquitos, Not Hot and Miss Puniverse and the Runnersup are part of this new endeavor. Scary Records is throwing a benefit show early June 20 at the Cactus Club for VH-1's Save the Music campaign, and the New Mosquitos and Miss Puniverse and the Runnersup will be performing along with the Volunteers, Tee and the Crumpets and the Floaters. ... Mike Patton, also notorious for various side projects, but best known for his work with Faith No More and Mr. Bungle, also has a show coming up. After a long hiatus, Mr. Bungle kicks off its tour July 13-14 at Slim's in San Francisco to support its new album titled California (due out the day of the show). Always personable, Stunt Monkey vocalist Aram Sarkissian was in rare form last Thursday (June 10) when the local punk trio performed at the Edge with the Timeouts and Let's Go Bowling. The band was in fine spirits, even though drummer John Velcamp was on crutches due to a sprained ankle. Passing out bubble-stuff and silly-string, the guys made the show fun. In addition to songs like "Cartoon" and "White Trash Puppet Show," Stunt Monkey broke out some new material, including one song I was particularly fond of titled "Hypochondriac." San Francisco-based crumb broke up and won't be at LIVE 105's BFD (June 18 at Shoreline); Diesel Boy has been added in its stead. ... Speaking of BFD and Stunt Monkey, don't forget it's the only local act participating (although Smash Mouth is also part of the lineup). Apparently the trio's opening the festive day, so get there early to catch them. ... Alien Ant Farm performed last Friday (June 11) at the Cactus Club with Systematic, ManMade God and Swerver. The highlight of its heavy set was the band's cover of Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal"--an unusual choice that works pretty well with its heavy bass lines. Tribal Disco Noise was also slated to perform that night, but canceled. More news on that later. The line-up for Metro's Music in the Park series has been announced and includes Greg Kihn, the Recruits, South Side Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, Toots and the Maytals, Steve Lucky & the Rhumba Bums, Clarence Gatemouth Brown, Pete Escovedo, Kim Wilson's Blues Revue with Corby Yates and Alejandro Escovedo and Mystique. The free concert series is held every Thursday, 5-8pm, July 8-September 2 in Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park at Market and San Carlos streets in downtown San Jose. Call the 24-hour hotline at 408.279.1775, x42 for more information. PLAN AHEAD: Monkey and Warsaw, June 17 at the Edge; the Recruits, June 18 at the Cactus Club; Hot Town Jubilee, June 18 at Fuel; the Melvins, June 19 at Cactus; Crash Landon, June 19 at the Quarter Note in Sunnyvale; Warsaw, June 20 at the Quarter Note; Rammstein and Soulfly at Maritime Hall in San Francisco; Clay Wheels, New Mosquitos, June 21 at Waves; RetroMotive, Eye Talk and Velvet Alex, June 23 at Cocodrie in San Francisco; Kim Lenz, June 23 at Agenda Lounge. [ San Jose | Metroactive Central | Archives ]